MY ETERNAL

The Guardian

Yves POV:

It's a school night, I have to wake up early to dress up Aurora and Abrina and drive them to school. I rarely allow anybody to do it for me, ever since the death of their Mother. I have been both her father and mother, I never for once neglected my duties or delegated them to anyone else. Their happiness was my priority and I would go to any length to make her happy. I'd crush anyone who blocked her path to happiness.

Aurora, the love of my life died during childbirth. I was so angry and wished the world would burn for taking her from me. I was angry at my daughters at a point for taking Aurora from me, I didn't as much as look at them twice the night they were born and left my Mother in care of them. All this changed when Aurora appeared in my dream visibly angry at me for not caring for our daughters, she promised part of her was still in our daughters and ought to cherish them, so I named one Aurora and the other Abriana(What Aurora always wanted to name our daughter) and allowed my world to revolve around them.

I wanted to head to bed but was told Father wanted to see me

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Everyone called him Don Cassano, I call him father.

Don Cassano, was a man to whom everybody came for help, and never were they disappointed. He made no empty promises, nor the craven excuse that his hands were tied by more powerful forces in the world than himself. He didn't need to be your friend, it was not even important that you had no means with which to repay him. Only one thing was required. That you, you, proclaim your Loyalty to him, he could call upon you whenever he wished. And then, no matter how poor or powerless the supplicant, Don Cassano would take that man’s troubles to his heart. And he would let nothing stand in the way of a solution to that man’s woe.

His reward? LOYALTY the respectful title of “Don,” was bestowed upon him.

Only the people in the family business knew the dark part of Don Cassano, his favors weren't a gift, they indeed came with a price but it was a grave price to pay.

I sat on a chair at the entrance of the room and watched on as Father rebuked Lorenzo harshly for hitting his wife. One of the things Father detested the most, Lorenzo's wife, Illario was the daughter of Father's closest friend Don Corleone, and mother's Goddaughter. More reasons it infuriated Father more.

I was so angry also but it was not my business. It was quite ironic, I was still feeling the pain of losing my wife after 7 years and he was beating his. Life is so ironic, it takes noise to appreciate quietness, absence to appreciate presence, and sadness to appreciate happiness.

Lorenzo was father's first son, he was tall for a first-generation American of Italian parentage, almost six feet, and his crop of bushy, curly hair made him look even taller. His face was that of a gross Cupid, the features even but the bow-shaped lips thickly sensual, the dimpled cleft chin in some curious way obscene. He was built as powerfully as a bull and lacked self-control as a bull. He was known for his explosive and volatile anger, he only thinks after the deed is done, and he was always at the end of Father's scrutiny.

Don Cassano continued ripping into Lorenzo, I knew without looking he was shaking with rage. He hated being rebuked in front of me but Father showed no mercy. He continued raging on till he finally stopped, I knew Lorenzo would sulk for days but Don Cassano care less about that.

He raised his hand to signal he was done with Lorenzo, who barged out angrily but not before shooting me a dead look.

Father waited for him to be out of earshot before clearing his throat.

"I'll never forget the night I pulled you from the ocean," he mused, his eyes distant. "It was one of the greatest decisions I ever made."

I nodded, gratitude welling up inside me. "Thank you, Don Cassano, for saving my life for taking me into your family, and for giving me a name."

He offered a warm smile. "You've always watched over this family, Yves. I'm grateful for your loyalty."

But then, Don Cassano's expression turned somber, and I could sense that there was something troubling him. "What's on your mind, Father?" I asked.

He sighed heavily. "I worry about your happiness, Yves. Ever since your wife's passing, you've been solely focused on work, and nothing else."

I couldn't help but argue, "It's my duty, Don."

He nodded, acknowledging my dedication. "Yes, but you also have a duty to your daughters. You've been more or less ignoring them."

I defended myself, "I love my daughters, Don. I care for them as anyone would."

He leaned in closer, his tone filled with concern. "But you're denying them one thing, Yves—a mother."

I frowned, sensing where this conversation was headed. The Don had always wanted me to get married, but I had steadfastly refused. Nothing would change my mind now.

"I can't, Don. My focus is on protecting this family," I insisted.

But then, Don Cassano dropped a bombshell. "I've already found a wife for you, Yves."

I was taken aback, and my resolve wavered. "I can't, Don. I can't afford distractions."

He leaned closer, his voice low and intense. "I know about the revenge you've been carrying out, Yves. I know everything about you, your search for those people."

My heart sank. The Don had uncovered my most closely guarded secret. He made an offer I couldn't refuse. "If you follow my wishes, Yves, I'll tell you everything you need to know."

I felt trapped, torn between my duty to the family and my mission.